The Oculon, known to some by ancient names like Goloma, are a rare and enigmatic species whose forms instill terror or profound awe in most they meet. These humanoids possess an unusual biology, characterized by a smooth, chitinous face resembling a wooden mask from which protrude eight gelatinous, shining eyes. The back of an Oculon's head and neck is coated in black, hair-like tendrils filled with thousands of tiny, peering eyes that tend to glow and squirm – an unsettling sight for many.
Though just as capable of complex thought and action as any intelligent creature in the Starfall Galaxy, Oculons have a deep-rooted psychological understanding that they are often perceived as "prey," and that most two-eyed species are "predators" eager to exploit or destroy their unique biology. This perspective stems from their origins, often tied to ancient alien bio-surveillance projects, exposure to unique Rift-phenomena that granted them many eyes but also intense sensory overload, or being engineered for extreme vigilance in hazardous cosmic zones. As a result, Oculons rarely reveal themselves to others, and when they do, they often adopt intimidating personas as a means to protect themselves. Even those few Oculons who venture out into greater galactic society often have trouble relating to other ancestries, due to their strong differences in perception and mindset.
If you want to play a character who instinctively processes vast amounts of disparate information, projects an air of intimidation to conceal a nervous disposition, and has difficulty distinguishing specific individuals from similar others, you should play an Oculon. Others are likely to be frightened by your strange physiology, mistake your difficulties with identifying distinct people from one another as indifference, or be awed by your skill at noticing minute details at a glance and drawing rapid conclusions.
Core Identity: Hyper-Vigilance, Collective Observation, and Survival Oculons are fundamentally driven by an instinct for self-preservation and a constant, pervasive vigilance. Their multi-faceted vision allows them to process large amounts of visual data quickly and efficiently, making them exceptional observers of wide-scale phenomena, though they may struggle with the nuances of individual recognition. Their communities are typically insular and self-sufficient, a haven where their constant watchfulness is a shared strength, not a perceived paranoia. They operate on the principle that to be exposed is to be vulnerable, and to trust a stranger can be deadly.
Physical Description
Oculons are humanoids with rough, chitinous skin that ranges in color from warm browns to ebony, although sickly gray or white individuals with albinism are not uncommon. Their fingers and feet are coated with a thin layer of chitin, providing a durable grip. A bony crest juts from the top of their face-plate. Their mouths and jaws are located beneath this smooth, mask-like visage. The thousands of tiny eyes on their neck and head tend to glow and squirm, constantly scanning their surroundings.
Societies Across the Spheres
An ancient Oculon story states that during a cosmic calamity unleashed long ago, powerful entities burst forth from the void to steal the eyes from other creatures. Only the Oculons and others who were in hiding were spared—yet Oculons soon began to be hunted by the now two-eyed people, who were hungry to take Oculon eyes to replace what they had lost. This accurately sums up most Oculons' mentalities: to be exposed is to be vulnerable, and to trust a stranger is deadly. Oculons usually travel and live with groups of other Oculons, as this is where they feel most comfortable.
Oculons learn at a young age to be vigilant at all times, observing the environment for any irregularities and then reacting with quick, calculated instinct rather than deliberative action. Other ancestries often perceive Oculons to be paranoid and hypervigilant. This only increases their paranoia, as they have trouble visually distinguishing known friends from potentially hostile foes.
Outer Sphere (Hidden Sanctuaries & Vigilant Guardians): Many Oculon communities exist in highly camouflaged asteroid bases, deep void habitats, or within abandoned, cloaked star stations in the Outer Sphere. They are constantly monitoring their surroundings for threats, particularly those tied to the Resource Wars or nomadic marauders like the Grolak Hordes. They might act as silent guardians of unique cosmic phenomena or ancient data caches, their paranoia justified by factions that would exploit their unique physiology (e.g., the Commission wanting to study them, the Klaris Legions wanting to weaponize their senses).
Inner Sphere (Urban Watchers & Data Stream Observers): In the dense, hyper-developed ecumenopolises of the Inner Sphere, Oculons are rare but sometimes find niches as urban watchers. They might operate highly discreetly, using their many eyes to monitor complex data streams, observe potential threats in crowded arcologies, or detect subtle anomalies in the city's energy grid. Their unique perspective on collective observation is invaluable, though their difficulty with individual recognition can be a significant social hurdle.
Frontier (Rift-Watchers & Void-Scouts): The most intrepid Oculons venture into the uncharted Frontier, drawn by the raw, unpredictable energies of the Rift. Here, they might serve as "Rift-Watchers," meticulously observing temporal distortions, chaotic Mana surges, or the emergence of dangerous Rift-Entities. Their multi-directional vision makes them exceptionally suited for scouting perilous void zones or uncharted nebulae, where threats can emerge from any direction.
Beliefs
Oculons tend to focus on their own survival and thus are typically neutral, though those who find more comfort in conformity than others trend toward lawful alignments. Oculons often pay homage to Kalekot, a cosmic entity or primordial Void-God of protective fear, as the guardian of their people, though not one to be trusted fully. Kalekot is called upon to curse those who victimize Oculons, as most feel that justice can only be attained using supernatural means. Other popular cosmic forces include Mazludeh and Grandmother Spider (perhaps ancient AI collectives or benevolent Mana-Weavers), who encourage the strength of community, though a typical Oculon's idea of community is often very insular.
Connection to the Rift and Chaotic Transformation
The Oculon's unique biology, with its myriad eyes and hyper-vigilance, is often tied to ancient alien bio-surveillance projects, exposure to unique Rift-phenomena that granted them many eyes but also intense sensory overload, or being engineered for extreme vigilance in hazardous cosmic zones. Their multi-faceted vision allows them to instinctively process vast amounts of disparate information, making them exceptional observers of wide-scale phenomena, though they may struggle with the nuances of individual recognition.
The Rift-Storm Cataclysm was a period of immense cosmic flux that, for the Oculons, amplified the very energies that shaped their unique senses, creating new and more volatile environments to observe. Their constant vigilance is a direct response to the unpredictable nature of the Maelstrom and the threats that can emerge from it. Their sensory overload, a byproduct of their enhanced perception, means they must constantly filter and prioritize information, often leading to their reclusive nature. Their connection to Mana, through their Mana-Sense Oculon heritage, allows them to detect subtle energy signatures, further enhancing their role as vigilant observers.
Oculon Mechanics
Oculons are a Humanoid, Oculon ancestry.
Hit Points: 8
Size: Medium
Speed: 30 feet
Ability Boosts: Wisdom, and one Free Ability Boost.
Languages: Common, Oculon (a language of complex clicks, trills, and subtle visual shifts). You gain additional languages equal to your Intelligence modifier (if it's positive). Choose from Abyssal, Aklo, Draconic, Elven, Halfling, Necril, Orcish (Grolak), Sylvan, and any other languages to which you have access (such as the languages prevalent in your region).
Senses: Darkvision (You can see in darkness and dim light just as well as you can see in bright light.)
Traits: Humanoid, Oculon.
Eyes in Back: You have eyes that point in several different directions and instinctively notice movement in the peripheries of your vision. When you use the Seek basic action, you can look for creatures or objects in two areas instead of one. If precision is necessary, you can select two 30-foot cones or 15-foot bursts within line of sight instead of one.
Oculon Heritages
At 1st level, choose one of the following Oculon heritages, representing a distinct adaptation of their unique physiology.
Void-Adapted Oculon (Farsight Goloma adaptation): Your eyes have adapted to see more in the less favorable conditions of deep space or dark planetary interiors. You gain low-light vision (if you don't already have Darkvision, otherwise it enhances your Darkvision by 10 feet) and you ignore the concealed condition due to cosmic dust or light atmospheric obscuration.
Intimidating Visage Oculon (Frightful Goloma adaptation): Your chitinous face, with its myriad eyes, has a particularly off-putting appearance. You are trained in Intimidation (or another skill of your choice if you were already trained in Intimidation) and gain the Intimidating Glare skill feat as a bonus feat.
Data-Sense Oculon (Insightful Goloma adaptation): You've learned to watch for telltale signs of dangerous sentiments or subtle data manipulation to help you avoid trouble. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to your Perception DC against attempts to Lie to you and your Perception checks to Sense Motive, particularly when dealing with digital or networked communications.
Chitin-Claw Oculon (Vicious Goloma adaptation): The chitin on your hands forms powerful claws that allow you to defend yourself. You gain a claw unarmed attack that deals 1d6 slashing damage. Your claws are in the brawling group and have the agile, finesse, and unarmed traits.
Mana-Sense Oculon (Vigilant Goloma adaptation): You've learned to be aware of not just obvious physical dangers, but also noticeable Mana-signatures and technological threats. You can cast the detect magic cantrip (reflavored as detect Mana-signatures or detect tech-anomalies) as an arcane innate spell at will. A cantrip is heightened to a spell level equal to half your level rounded up. In addition, your awareness allows you to notice technological or Mana-based traps easier than others. Your proficiency rank in Perception is considered one step better when attempting to detect such traps (Trained is considered expert, expert is considered master, and master is considered legendary).
Oculon Ancestry Feats
You can select Oculon ancestry feats from the following options.
1st Level Feats
Rapid Pattern Recognition (Catch the Details) (Common, Oculon) Feat 1: You are quick at recognizing broad details about people, objects, and phenomena around you, due to your multi-faceted vision. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Recall Knowledge checks about commonalities between groups of creatures or types of objects.
Oculon Courage (Common, Oculon) Feat 1: The most important thing you've learned living with fear is how to overcome it. You gain a +1 status bonus to saving throws against fear effects.
Oculon Lore (Common, Oculon) Feat 1: You lived an insulated life focused on avoiding danger and observing your environment. You gain training in Oculon Lore. If you were already trained in Oculon Lore, you instead become an expert.
Piercing Gaze (Pierce the Darkness) (Common, Oculon) Feat 1: Prerequisites Low-Light Vision. Your eyes have adapted to see in all circumstances, even without the assistance of light. Your Darkvision range increases by 10 feet.
Watchful Gaze (Common, Concentrate, Oculon) Feat 1: You use your many eyes to look in all directions at once, making you extremely observant for a short period of time. As a 1-action activity, you can gain a +2 circumstance bonus to Perception checks for 1 round.
5th Level Feats
Ambush Awareness (Common, Oculon) Feat 5: You gain a +2 circumstance bonus to Perception checks attempted as initiative rolls, allowing you to react quickly to unseen threats.
Protective Claws (Common, Oculon) Feat 5: Prerequisites Chitin-Claw Oculon heritage. The chitin on your claws is so hard you can defend against attacks with them. Your claw unarmed attack gains the parry trait.
9th Level Feats
Constant Gaze (Common, Oculon) Feat 9: Prerequisites Watchful Gaze. Your eyes keep a continual watch for dangers from all sides. The circumstance bonus from Watchful Gaze becomes constant, and its duration is indefinite.
Defensive Instincts (Common, Oculon) Feat 9: Your body tenses up when surrounded, putting you on edge just enough to anticipate an attack. When you are flanked, you gain a +1 circumstance bonus to AC.
13th Level Feats
Mana-Sight (Arcane Sight) (Common, Oculon) Feat 13: Prerequisites Ability to cast the detect magic cantrip (or detect Mana-signatures). You've trained yourself to constantly be on the lookout for Mana-signatures and technological effects, even when focusing on looking out for other things. You gain the effects of a detect magic spell (or detect Mana-signatures) as a constant innate ability.
See the Unseen (Common, Oculon) Feat 13: You notice things that others can't see at all, penetrating even advanced stealth systems. You gain imprecise tremorsense out to 30 feet, or precise scent out to 30 feet (your choice).
17th Level Feats
True Gaze (Common, Arcane, Concentrate, Divination, Oculon) Feat 17: When you focus your eyes carefully, your gaze can pierce through all obfuscations, even magical or technological ones. You can cast true seeing as a 7th-rank innate spell once per day.
Here are a few adventure hooks designed to appeal to an Oculon Player Character, leveraging their unique physiology, hyper-vigilance, and often-isolated perspective within the Starfall Galaxy:
Adventure Hooks for Oculon Player Characters
The Glitch in the Collective Gaze:
Hook: A vast, seemingly unblinking network of ancient Oculon surveillance satellites, long thought dormant in a remote Outer Sphere system, has begun to transmit fragmented, distorted images – glimpses of a hidden Rift-Entity or a subtle Mana-Taint corrupting the very fabric of space. The Oculon PC, perhaps connected to this network through a latent ancestral link or their Data-Sense Oculon heritage, experiences painful sensory feedback from these corrupted transmissions. A Shisk archivist, seeking to preserve ancient data, or an Automaton collective, concerned about rogue AI, seeks the PC's help. They believe the Oculon's unique vision is the only way to pinpoint the source of the corruption within the network and purge it before it spreads.
Oculon Appeal: This hook directly plays into the Oculon's core identity of collective observation and hyper-vigilance. The PC would be driven to understand and neutralize the threat to a "collective gaze" that mirrors their own. Their Mana-Sense Oculon would be crucial for detecting the Taint, Rapid Pattern Recognition for deciphering the distorted images, and Constant Gaze for sustained observation.
The Blind Spot in the Megacity:
Hook: In a sprawling Inner Sphere ecumenopolis, a series of high-profile disappearances and inexplicable "blind spots" in the city's pervasive surveillance grid have baffled authorities, including the Commission. These incidents occur in areas where light and shadow behave unnaturally, hinting at a Shadar shadow-weaver or an Umbran infiltrator operating with uncanny precision. The Oculon PC is approached by a desperate Human detective, or a Lashunta security consultant, who has heard whispers of the Oculon's unparalleled visual acuity. They need the PC to navigate these sensory-distorting zones, pierce through the obfuscation, and identify the unseen culprit.
Oculon Appeal: This hook challenges the Oculon's reliance on sight and forces them to confront phenomena that actively counter their strengths. The PC would be motivated to prove their vigilance and overcome a unique sensory puzzle. Piercing Gaze, See the Unseen, and eventually True Gaze would be invaluable for penetrating the illusions, while Eyes in Back would help detect subtle movements from unexpected angles.
The Prey's Last Stand:
Hook: A small, reclusive community of Oculons (perhaps distant relatives of the PC) in a desolate Outer Sphere asteroid field is being systematically hunted by a ruthless Klaris Legion or a Mega-Corporation seeking to harvest their unique eyes for advanced optical technology. The Oculon PC receives a desperate, fragmented distress signal – a plea from a people who share their "prey" mentality. The PC must navigate the dangerous asteroid field, evade the hunters, and help their kin make a desperate last stand or orchestrate a daring escape.
Oculon Appeal: This hook directly taps into the Oculon's deep-rooted psychological understanding of being "prey" and their instinct for survival. The PC would be driven by a fierce loyalty to their kind and a desire to protect them. Intimidating Visage Oculon or Startling Appearance could be used to deter pursuers, Defensive Instincts would be vital in close quarters, and Protective Claws (if applicable) could provide a means of self-defense.
The Genesis of a Rift-Eye:
Hook: While exploring an uncharted Rift-Burg in the Frontier, the Oculon PC discovers a strange, pulsating crystalline formation – a "Rift-Eye" – that is slowly growing, mirroring the Oculon's own physiology but radiating raw, chaotic Rift-Mana. This entity seems to be a primordial, uncontrolled version of their own origins, capable of causing localized temporal distortions and manifesting dangerous Rift-Entities. A Triosam "Corrector," sensing a profound imbalance, or a Vividi drawn by the unprecedented novelty, offers a significant reward for the Oculon to safely study, contain, or even "attune" this nascent Rift-Eye.
Oculon Appeal: This hook offers a chance to understand the very origins of their unique biology and their connection to the Rift. The PC would be motivated by curiosity and the potential to gain deeper insight into their own existence. Mana-Sense Oculon would be crucial for understanding the Rift-Eye's energy signatures, Uncanny Awareness for detecting its subtle effects, and True Gaze for perceiving its true, chaotic nature. The challenge lies in interacting with such a volatile, primordial force without being overwhelmed or corrupted.
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